】
Qingdeng: "..."
Sanako: "..."
Qingden was speechless.
Sanako didn't speak either.
After about half a minute, he finally blurted out:
"……ha?"
Regarding Qingto who looked shaken, Sanako's tone was a bit more playful.
"What's wrong? I remember your hearing isn't that bad."
"Sanako, let me confirm, you are not kidding me, right?"
"Of course, do you think I would joke with you about this kind of thing?"
"...Can you give me a reason?"
Qingden had a serious expression on his face.
"We are not going to play here."
"About the current situation in Kyoto, you must have heard from others that your ears are almost getting calluses, right?"
"After raising our troops to Luo, we may not even have a chance to breathe, and we will immediately plunge into an intense battle."
As soon as Qingden finished speaking, Sanazi nodded immediately.
"I know, of course I know that I am not going to play, but to fight - rather, it is precisely because of this that I decided to join the Zhenfu Army."
Before Qingto could ask further questions, Sanako continued on his own:
"Ji Jun, has Brother Rong ever told you how he broke through the bottleneck back then?"
The person who can be called "Ei-nii" by Sanako is naturally her second cousin, "the strongest in Edo" - Chiba Eijiro.
Although he didn't quite understand Sanako's intention of suddenly mentioning this, Qingden still nodded obediently.
This was a long time ago.
Although the deeds are old, the memory is still fresh.
That year, not long after the swordsmanship competition held by the Lord of the Aizu Domain, Matsudaira Yoho, Chiba Eijiro, who watched the event and became very interested in Aoto, visited the Imperial Guard Hall alone and met with Aoto and Nagakura.
Everyone inside had a competition.
That time was the first time Qingdeng intuitively felt the oppression of top martial arts masters.
It was also at that time that Eijiro Chiba shared his martial arts training experience - changing his mood.
He was once trapped in a bottleneck and unable to extricate himself. Fortunately, he received the earnest teachings of Chiba Shusaku, who was still alive at the time: to see the "scenery" that he had never seen before, and to experience the things that he had never experienced in his past life.
Novelty, if you change your mood, you may be able to break through the bottleneck without even realizing it.
Although Eijiro Chiba didn't understand the meaning at that time, he was tortured by the bottleneck and was in pain, so he decided to treat the dead horse as a living horse. He adopted Chiba Shusaku's suggestion and temporarily put aside his stubbornness with the sword.
Move your attention elsewhere.
Soon after, in order to experience the feeling of being an official, he gladly accepted the Mito Domain's invitation and became an official of the Mito Domain.
When he first arrived in Mito Domain, he was busy dealing with various official duties every day and had no time to practice swordsmanship.
But this allowed him to escape from the whirlpool he had been trapped in before and overlook his past martial arts life.
One day, half a year after he became an official in the Mito Domain, while working on official documents at his desk, he suddenly felt blessed and understood several problems in swordsmanship that had troubled him for a long time, breaking through the bottleneck in one fell swoop.
Chiba Eijiro combined "Chiba Shusaku's teachings" and "this life experience" and condensed it into a paragraph:
Whether you are studying science or practicing martial arts, it is just like grabbing water in a river. The harder you grab, the harder it is to grab the water. If you slow down and slowly close your palms, you can catch the water in the palm of your hand.
Hold a handful of water. So, hone your skills with a more relaxed and comfortable attitude.
At this moment, Qingdeng suddenly realized something.
"Sanako, are you...wanting to imitate Brother Rong?"
Sanako turned her head sideways and gave Qingteng an appreciative glance that said, "Yes, you are right."
"Ji Jun, I still haven't given up on martial arts."
Sanako turned back to the front and looked at the distant sky.
"Although my father categorically said that my martial arts can only stop here... I still can't let go of my love for martial arts."
"No matter what, I want to continue practicing martial arts! I also want to become stronger!"
"The unchanging life and the clean and tidy ashram have all become my 'obstacles'."
"If this continues, even if I swing my bamboo sword or wooden sword ten thousand times or a hundred million times, my martial arts will never improve."
"So, I have made up my mind - like Brother Rong, I want to change the environment and see the 'scenery' I have never seen before!"
"In this way, maybe by chance, I can break through the current bottleneck and become a powerful female warrior like Miss Okita!"
Having said that, Sanako's black and white eyes shone with extraordinary brilliance of intelligence and will, which made people feel dazzling.
"...Have you told your family about your decision?"
Sanako shook his head.
"Their opinions don't matter anyway. I have made up my mind. No matter what my family says, even if I encounter strong opposition from them, I will go to Kyoto with you!"
When Qingdeng heard this, he couldn't help but laugh.
What a Sanako-style answer.
"...I understand. Then please give me some advice!"
"With your ability, becoming a member of the Zhenfu Army is just a sure thing."
"However, even if it's you, you still have to go through the process of joining the army. I can't be partial to you, as this will shake the morale of the army."
This time it was Sanako who cast a surprised look at Aoden.
"Tachibana-kun, I thought you would dissuade me on the grounds that 'Kyoto is dangerous'. Just like me, Miss Okita and Mai Kinoshita more than ten days ago, I hope you can stay away from the turbulent undercurrents of Kyoto."
"Why should I dissuade you?"
Qingden smiled and shrugged.
"Neither you nor Ah Wu or Xiao Si belong to me."
"Who am I to make decisions about your decisions and your future?"
"Since it is dangerous to go to Luo, what I should do is not treat you like babies and trap you in your infancy."
"But hold the sword in your hand tightly and protect you until you no longer need my protection."
"The look in your eyes tells me: your decision is not a fantasy, but an ideal after careful consideration."
"That's it, that's enough."
Speaking of this, Qingden paused for a moment, and then said a famous quote from a certain literary giant in his previous life:
"Regard the suspicion of others as a will-o'-the-wisp, and boldly go your own way at night."
"I will be by your side to protect you."
"If your family objects to your going to Kyoto, just tell me."
Qingden changed his tone to a half-joking tone.
"I will help you. I will use the title of 'Gyeonggi Governor' to pressure them and force them to agree."
Sanako smiled:
"Father and brother are not afraid of you."
She let out a long breath, then showed an extremely refreshing expression.
"Fortunately, I thought of my words to refute you in advance, but I don't need to use them now."
At this time, a gust of north wind suddenly blew.
The sleeves of the two men were making noise.
Sanako's temple hair swayed in the wind, and she held it down with her snow-white slender fingers.
Covered by the wind, the corners of her mouth rose quietly.
At this moment, Qingden suddenly stretched out his left arm and took Sanako's right hand.
"Tachibana, Tachibana-kun?"
Sanako looked at the hand being held in surprise, and subconsciously wanted to shake it off, but Qingto responded with a tighter grip.
"Anyway, there's no one here, so just let me hold your hand for the first time in a long time."
"..."
Sanako looked awkward.
"I think I should get some reward after saying such cool words."
"..."
Sanako raised his eyes and glared at Qingden fiercely.
However, in just the next second, she lowered her head with pink cheeks, staring at her slightly tightened toes while adjusting the position of her right hand.
His fingers slipped between Qingdeng's fingers.
From "being held" to "fingers clasped".
Hold Qingdeng's hand tightly.
"...You are not allowed to let go of me until I say 'Okay'. If you dare to let me go, from tonight onwards, you and I will be strangers. And don't do it again."
Qingdeng smiled and said nothing.
In this situation and atmosphere, no words are needed.
Just like that, the two held hands and looked at the world in the distance together.
The night wind passed by them.
The blades above the head are rubbing in the wind.
The slender crescent moon is getting brighter and whiter.
The sound of water lapping against the river bank turned into a melodious melody.
…
…
Edo, Koishikawa Kohinagayanagi Town——
"Moo moo~~"
After sending Sanako home, one person and one cow finally returned to the trial defense hall.
After running around for a whole day, even Carrot was tired.
"Moo moo..."
Carrot consciously got into the cowshed.
The professional shepherd Qing Teng hired with a large sum of money to take care of the radishes immediately quickly took out hay and brushes to feed the radishes and brush them.
Qingdeng dragged his body and walked toward the residence.
——I’m so tired...go to bed quickly...
He had also planned to go to Chihiro House and take a nice hot bath.
However, it is already late at night and Chihiro House is about to close.
Moreover, after going out for a tryst with Sanako, my already exhausted body became even more overwhelmed, and I really didn't feel like taking a bath anymore.
Qingdeng stretched out his hand and opened the door - click, click, click - and then he saw a majestic "gorilla".
"Tangerine-kun! You are finally back! You came back just in time!"
Isamu Kondo stood at the entrance with his arms crossed and a high-spirited look.
"Kondo-kun, what's wrong?"
"Sorry, Tachibana-kun, can I disturb you for a moment?"
Sorry, no - to be honest, Qingdeng really wanted to answer this.
He really wants to go to bed now!
However...after seeing Kondo Isamu's extremely serious expression, Aoto still buried his inner thoughts deeply.
"Is there something important?"
"Well, let's put it this way, I won't bother you for a long time, it will be fine in a little while."
"……I see."
Aoto took off his shoes and took off the saber from his waist, and followed Kondo Isamu.
After arriving at the destination: the hall of the Trial Guard Hall, Qingdeng couldn't help but be surprised by the scene inside.
Kondo Shusuke, Okita Souji, Hijikata Toshizo, Shannan Keisuke, Inoue Genzaburo, Saito Ichi, Nagakura Shinpachi, Harada Sanosuke, Toudo Heisuke... I saw everyone gathered together, sitting at attention.
Even the frizzy Harada Sanosuke rarely showed an upright attitude.
"What's going on? Why is everyone here?"
Qingdeng asked in a daze.
Isamu Kondo faced Ayoto with a solemn expression and said loudly and righteously:
"Tachibana-kun, I'll keep the story short."
"Tonight, while you have not returned yet, we have been having a heated discussion."
"In the end, we unanimously decided: I, General Secretary, Sui, Uncle Gen, Shannan-kun, Saito-kun, Nagakura-kun, Harada-kun, and Todo-kun will all join the Zhenfu Army! I will go to Beijing with you!"
Qingden's eyes widened in surprise.
For a moment, he smiled bitterly, and then murmured softly at a volume that only he himself could hear clearly:
"Did you and Sanako make an agreement in advance? Why did you both say the same thing at the same time..."
After adjusting his emotions, he turned his eyes and scanned the faces of the General Secretary and others, and asked:
"You all want to join the Zhenfu Army? Why?"
Shannan Keisuke pursed his lips and smiled:
"This is all thanks to Kondo-kun's impassioned speech just now."
Isamu Kondo laughed loudly:
"Shannan-kun, you praise me. I don't have such a big contribution. It's obvious that you are also eager to go to Kyoto, but my instigation only played a catalytic role!"
Shannan Keisuke slowly closed his eyes - his actions were equivalent to acquiescing to what Isamu Kondo said.
After laughing happily, Kondo Isamu's face returned to a solemn look:
"Mr. Ju, when I learned that you had been promoted to the title of 'Messenger of the capital city' and that you were going to send troops to Luo one day, my heart has been restless."
"There was a voice in my head that kept telling me: This is my best chance to make a name for myself!"
Hearing this, Qingden raised his eyebrows.
He couldn't help but recall the night when Kondo Isamu officially inherited the position of "the fourth generation head of the Tenurishin-ryu clan". He looked like he had unfulfilled ambitions and said that he "desired greater achievements."
words.
"It's not that I'm dissatisfied with my current life."
Speaking of this, Kondo Isamu glanced at Kondo Shusuke beside him.
"It's just that... a real man was born in troubled times, so he should carry a three-foot sword and achieve unparalleled achievements!"
"Today, at the recruitment meeting of the Zhenfu Army, I felt strong envy in my heart when I looked at everyone who climbed onto the platform."
"At that moment, I was finally convinced - I still want to make a difference!"
"I long to be like the heroes of the Warring States Period three hundred years ago, using a sword in my hand and a horse on my hip to gain great fame! Become the master of a city and a place!"
"To be honest, after making this decision, I felt like my whole body was almost floating with excitement."
"Driven by this excitement, I gathered everyone together and shared all my thoughts. I wanted to see if there was anyone who had the same ambition as me and was willing to go to Kyoto with me."
"I never thought... the final result far exceeded my expectations - everyone is willing to go to Kyoto."
As soon as Kondo Isamu finished speaking, Nagakura Shinpachi wiped his nose, grinned and said with a smile:
"To be honest, before Kondo-kun showed his ambition, I had the intention to sign up to join the Zhenfu Army!"
"After all, the reason why I came to the Trial Guard Hall as a diner is because I want to follow Mr. Tachibana!"
"Mr. Tachibana is going to Kyoto, so I have no reason not to accompany you!"
Todo Heisuke answered excitedly:
"Me too!"
Shannan Jingshu nodded silently.
Although Saito Ichi remained silent as always, everyone knew that the reason why he became a patron of the Trial Guard Hall was because of Aoto.
Sanosuke Harada scratched his hair several times.
"I don't have any ambitions or dreams. It's just that if everyone goes to Kyoto and I don't go, it will feel lonely."
Genzaburo Inoue chuckled a few times.
"I don't have any ambitions or dreams. It's just because I can't worry about Ayong, Suisan and Souji."
Isamu Kondo cast a helpless look at Genzaburo Inoue.
"Uncle Yuan, we have grown up, don't always treat us like children who need care."
Hijikata Toshisan had no expression on his face and said nothing.
Also silent was the General Secretary.
But the Souji looked at the noisy crowd with a smile on his face and a happy look on his face.
At this time, Qingden suddenly thought of something and asked Kondo Isamu:
"Kondo-kun, as the fourth generation head of the Natural Rishin-ryu clan, and the Souji who is the head of the school and the teacher's representative have left Edo, what will happen to the Imperial Academy?"
Kondo smiled sarcastically:
"There is no other way... I can only ask my father to work hard for a few more years."
Kondo Shusuke rubbed his smooth chin a few times and smiled "hohoho".
"Oh, I didn't expect that I would have to come back to the world just after I retired."
The general manager smiled and interrupted abruptly:
"Master, why don't you go to Kyoto with us?"
Kondo Shusuke said angrily:
"I've also gone to Kyoto. What should I do about the trial defense hall? Has the trial defense hall been closed? Also, my old bones can no longer withstand the hard work of carriages and horses! I just want to bury my bones quietly.
Edo!"
Qingdeng watched everyone quietly.
"...Everyone, have you really thought about it clearly?"
As soon as these words came out, the hall suddenly became quiet.
A bunch of eyes fell on Qingdeng.
"Have you really thought it through?"
Qingdeng moved his eyes and scanned the faces of everyone in the circle again.
"I don't want to interfere with your thoughts or behavior."
"As the governor of Gyeonggi Province, I certainly hope that as many talents as possible will join the army."
"But as your friend... I need to ask you - are you really mentally prepared?"
"After going to Kyoto, I have to be with death all the time."
"Not only that, I won't be able to return to Edo for a long time in the future."
At this point, Qingden took a special look at Isamu Kondo, the only one with a family.
"Furthermore, after you join the Zhenfu Army, you will become my subordinates in terms of status."
"At that time, I won't care about it in private, but in public, I will never regard you as my relatives, friends, and siblings."
Qingto's eyes moved to Souji.
"I will only regard you as my soldiers."
"Deploy you to mountains of swords, seas of fire, dragon pools and tiger dens, and wherever you are needed."
"Even so, are you still willing to join the Zhenfu Army? Are you still willing to follow me?"
Finished speaking.
Qingdeng stopped talking and waited quietly for their response.
In a moment, the target of attention changed from Aotobu to Isamu Kondo.
The eyes of Souji and his team seemed to be urging Isamu Kondo.
"...Well, I figured it out!"
Isamu Kondo nodded vigorously.
"We are determined! We will never repent!"
Qingdeng: "..."
Everyone: "..."
Facing Kondo Isamu's sharp gaze, a smile with mixed emotions gradually appeared on Qingto's cheeks.
"I never imagined that I would solve the problem of insufficient talents and trusted advisors in this way."
*******
*******
Today's update time is a little earlier! Seeing that Bao Baozi is really working hard to adjust the update time, please be sure to vote for this book! (Leopard Leopard Head in tears)
Please give me a monthly ticket! Please give me a recommendation vote! (Leopard Head Cries)
()
This chapter has been completed!